Job Description

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The Florida Legislature  
Office of Public Counsel

JOB TITLE

Chief Legal Counsel, Office of Public Counsel

THE WORK YOU WILL DO

The Office of Public Counsel seeks a talented and experienced supervising attorney to lead, guide, and train litigation teams to achieve successful outcomes for Florida’s utility customers. You will uphold the public trust as the statutory intervenor for cases involving utility rate affordability, data center tariffs and agreements, clean energy resources, storm hardening plans, hurricane restoration costs, corporate accounting and finance, capital investment plans, and the cost-effective development and integration of future energy technologies. You will also take or supervise direct appeals to the Florida Supreme Court for electric and gas cases, and to the First District Court of Appeals for water cases.

If you bring the willingness to devote yourself to mastery of public utilities law, we will invest the substantial time and resources required to succeed in a rapidly changing legal specialty. You will receive collaborative support from our experienced attorneys, industry consultants, legal assistants, and other intervening cooperative partners to prepare you for success in this exciting industry.

OUR ORGANIZATION

The Office of Public Counsel has zealously represented Florida’s customers in high profile litigation for the past 52 years. We intervene as a matter of right to represent residential, commercial, and industrial customers in proceedings involving the collective interests of all customers of Florida’s publicly owned utilities. Our advocates actively confront critical affordability issues where the amounts in controversy can exceed billions of dollars, in public hearings before the Public Service Commission.

The Office of Public Counsel performs independent analyses, presents testimony of expert witnesses, deposes and cross-examines utility witnesses, files recommendations and present oral arguments. Our attorneys manage their own cases and can work toward negotiated settlements that result in fair, just, and reasonable outcomes for all customers.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

• Customer Advocacy: Continue to hone your advocacy skills in a variety of public venues to promote the best interests of Florida’s customers, ranging from the highest courts to local service hearings within impacted communities. Multilingual ability is an asset but not required.
• Advocate for Much Needed Regulatory Change: Enforce the existing regulatory framework and recommend improvements to promote positive outcomes for Florida’s customers.
• Depositions and Cross Examination: Conduct written discovery, depositions, and cross examination of industry experts and executives.
• Expert Witnesses: Retain, prepare, and defend your own industry experts in depositions and hearings.
• Advance Your Litigation Skills: Present persuasive advocacy in televised hearings; brief and argue your own cases on appeal.
• Lead, Mentor, and Develop: As a member of the leadership team, set the example, mentor, and encourage the future success of junior counsel in a collaborative environment.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Display increasing mastery of the rules related to litigation practice in Florida.
• Comprehend, utilize, and organize complex documents, legal theories, and research.
• Interpret state and federal legislation, laws, and rules.
• Employ legal reasoning to anticipate challenges and implement creative solutions.
• Advocate effectively in written and oral communications.
• Display independent leadership, cooperative teamwork, initiative, and common sense.
• Work collaboratively with outside counsel, expert witnesses, officials, and public staff.
• Conduct effective and efficient meetings and presentations.
• Prepare well-written, accurate, and persuasive legal writing.
• Conduct relevant and effective legal research to support your positions.
• Prepare and present trial briefs, motions, pleadings, and oral arguments.
• Recognize the need to practice good stewardship over all public funds and property.
• Acknowledge the responsibility to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
• Never fail to safeguard confidential and sensitive information or to uphold the public trust.
• Graciously interact with the public, treating all people with courtesy, dignity, and respect.
• Energetically advocate for affordable utility rates and other positive litigation outcomes.
• Readily put forth the full effort required to organize, plan, and achieve your litigation goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Attorney in good standing with The Florida Bar, possessing impeccable credentials and at least three years of significant litigation experience. Appellate experience is helpful but not required. Industry-specific knowledge is beneficial but can be taught.

SALARY RANGE

$59,772-$131,568, commensurate with skills and experience; current salary is highly relevant.

BENEFITS

Excellent individual and family health benefits including free dental insurance. Retirement plan options that include employer contributions. Utilize state tuition opportunities to secure advanced degrees. In addition to accruing leave, sick leave and enjoying state holidays, achieve work-life balance capturing excess litigation hours towards block leave, with an annual 200 hour carryforward to offset the demands of trying 2-3 large cases a year.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position will remain open until it is filled.

ACCOMMODATION FOR DISABILITY

Please notify Human Resources at (850) 488-6803 regarding accommodation for persons with disabilities.

Personally explore this opportunity by contacting the Public Counsel, Walt Trierweiler, directly by phone or text at (850) 717-0326, or by email at Trierweiler.Walt@leg.state.fl.us . You are encouraged to visit our office in Tallahassee and meet the wonderful people you will be working with. 

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